The pirate spirit is invading the town of Belhaven this weekend.
For the first time ever, the town has declared this week as Pirates on the Pungo Week and lined the streets with pirate flags.
“There’s a banner coming, too,” said Diana Lambeth, regatta chairwoman. “The town has really gotten behind us this year.”
A $40 shoreside pass will gain a person entry into all of the weekend events. The fun starts tonight at the River Forest Manor and Marina with a captains’ reception. Boaters may register for the regatta, and onlookers may pick up weekend passes.
Lambeth said Saturday’s breakfast for sailors, event staff and others is one no one should miss.
“We’re known all over for our breakfast casseroles,” she said.
The 8 a.m. breakfast also includes coffee, juices and sweets.
Races begin at noon. Keelboat classes will race in Pantego Creek, and dinghy classes will be in the Pungo River.
The festivities continue with a Buccaneer Bash on Saturday night. The bash will feature music from The Main Event Band. A shoreline pass gets one in the door and covers beverages and a buffet.
Sunday’s continental breakfast at River Forest Manor will start at 7:45 a.m., and races will start at 9:30 a.m.
“It’s just a fun event,” Lambeth said.
All proceeds from the event will go to the Pungo District Hospital Foundation, which supports Vidant Pungo Hospital in Belhaven.

Pirates on the Pungo schedule of events

 

Today

5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at River Forest Manor (shoreside pass required)

Captain’s Reception and Entertainment

Onsite registration

Pre-registered skippers may check in and pick up their Captain’s Bags. T-shirts, hats and shoreside passes will be available on site.

 

Saturday

8 a.m. to 8:45 a.m. at River Forest Manor

Breakfast (shoreside pass required)

Coffee, juice, sweets and homemade breakfast casseroles

 

9:30 a.m. at River Forest Manor

Dinghy classes

 

9:45 a.m. at River Forest Manor

Keelboat classes

 

Noon (warning signal for the first race is at 11:55 a.m.)

Races begin

Keelboat classes at Pantego Creek

Dinghy classes at Pungo River

 

6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Wilkinson Center

Buccaneer Bash (shoreside pass required)

Fabulous buffet with free beer and wine

 

8 p.m. to 11 p.m. at Wilkinson Center

Buccaneer Bash

Dancing your feet off to The Main Event Band

 

Sunday

7:45 a.m. at River Forest Manor

Continental breakfast (shoreside pass required)

 

9:30 a.m. at Pantego Creek

Dinghy classes Distance Race

 

10 a.m. at Pungo River

Keelboat Around the Buoys Race

 

2 p.m. at Pungo Creek Marina

Hot dog cookout and awards presentation